It's time for the annual Duan Wu Festival 端午節! This special occasion falls on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Lunar calendar, around the Summer Solstice. It is also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, 龍舟節.
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Art reflects our ever-changing culture and has the ability to shift society's values and views. Racism and injustice have been huge topics during the pandemic, especially in the Asian community, where the anti-Asian racism, discrimination and violence in North America became a harsh reminder that we must stand up against hate.
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For 4 years, Cheuk crossed the globe, travelling to 13 countries, venturing behind kitchen doors to feature the journeys of 15 émigrés he found in each place. From Madagascar to Israel, from Brazil to South Africa, the real-life stories he uncovered along the way were more riveting than any work of fiction could ever be. Some were running from war, many from political oppression, a few from religious persecution; some were highly educated; some were farmers — yet all were forced to pick up a wok and a spatula — not because they loved Chinese food, but out of necessity.
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A growing trend toward the use of Chinese culture in Christmas décor and design has inspired modern designers to create holiday-themed products that connect with the past. Modern design has the ability to revitalize existing cultural elements, connecting today’s dialogue with the past. This article introduces some interesting designs and products of Christmas that are inspired by or employ Chinese cultural elements, preserving and in some ways, innovating using heritage through design.
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The second part of the series of Chinese-inspired design in North America, explores some distinct stationery and fashion items. Fête Chinoise also collaborated on some projects with partners in all three categories of stationery, sports and fashion. If you want to nominate products inspired by Chinese culture, that are well-designed, please share with us for a chance to be considered in the next design annual.
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The beauty of Chinese heritage is a fascinating source of inspiration for designers across disciplines. Modern design has the ability to rejuvenate cultural heritage and traditional handcrafts, connecting today’s dialogue with the past. In this editorial, we introduce some interesting designs and products that are inspired by Chinese cultural elements, preserving heritage with design.
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If you had to name one of the most memorable scenes from the 2018 rom-com Crazy Rich Asians, the fervent mahjong game between Eleanor Young and Rachel Chu (played by Michelle Yeoh and Constance Wu respectively), would be at the top of many people's lists. What looks like a beautiful mahjong club set in a traditional Chinese courtyard was, in actuality, the majestic UNESCO heritage site-turned-boutique hotel Cheong Fatt Tze, located in Penang, Malaysia.
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‘Painting' with sugar is an age-old edible art that never goes out of favour. The artist begins by simmering down brown sugar, granulated sugar and maltose until they turn into liquid. Once the concoction is ready, the artist quickly scoops up the syrup with a metal spoon to begin forming designs on a metal or stone surface.
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Mid-Autumn Festival is an important occasion in Chinese culture, and equally significant are mooncakes which symbolize the celebration. Traditional mooncake tins in various designs, shapes and sizes have become little treasure boxes that house heirlooms and collections in many families, long after the festival and often for decades to come. We thank each person who submitted their mooncake tin for this collective memory project!
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Restaurants, hotels and banquet halls are also settings that some families have chosen to celebrate the festival around the world. As food options expanded and the design of food has progressed to a new level of luxury, the aesthetic design of the celebration has yet to match the same level of sophistication.
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The full moon is perfectly round on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar calendar, representing unity and togetherness for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Family gatherings have traditionally been hosted in multi-generational home environments, where grandchildren, parents and grandparents dine together with an elaborate feast of homemade dishes.
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A symbol of reunion, it’s the time of the year again when we show our appreciation for one another through the gifting of delectable mooncakes.
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